Grizzlies statement on Dana Davis

Grizzlies issue statement on death of Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Programs Dana Davis

MEMPHIS, October 3, 2012– The Grizzlies announced that Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Programs Dana Davis has passed away. At this time, no further details are available.

Davis was set to enter his 13th season with the Grizzlies, where he oversaw player development programs that promote the personal, professional and social development of NBA players through educational programs and one-on-one mentoring. Among his many other responsibilities with the team were the team’s travel schedule, accommodations and security on the road. He also served as the team liaison for the NBA’s Steering Committee for Player Development.

Richly giving of his time, Davis was extremely active in the communities of Memphis and his native Peoria, Ill. Named to the National Civil Rights Museum Board of Directors in July 2011, Davis used his extensive background in sports and entertainment to bring a unique perspective to the Memphis museum.

In addition to serving on numerous inner-city Boards in Peoria, Davis co-founded the Mitchell “J.J” Anderson All-Star Basketball Camp with Grizzlies Director of Pro Personnel Mitchell Anderson in 1997, helping children learn fundamentals of the game and discussing issues pertaining to today’s youth both in Memphis and Peoria. In January, 2012, he was named the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service Leadership Award by the King Holiday Committee in Peoria.

The Grizzlies will announce plans to honor Davis in the upcoming 2012-13 season and funeral arrangements at a later date.

The team has issued the following statements on behalf of Memphis Grizzlies Majority Owner Michael Heisley, General Manager Chris Wallace, Head Coach Lionel Hollins and President of Business Operations Greg Campbell on the passing of Davis:

“Dana Davis was one of the original members of the Grizzlies management team when we originally purchased the team in 2000 and moved it to Memphis. As well as being an integral part of the team that made that transition successful, “Double-D” was the most charitable and generous individual I have ever met. Regardless of age, race or social status, he was always extending his hand to help those in need. What Dana couldn’t give in monetary donations, he more than made up for with the amount of time he gave to causes close to his and the Grizzlies hearts. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement and simply not correct.” - Memphis Grizzlies Majority Owner Michael Heisley

"This is a very sad day for the entire Grizzlies' organization, the extended NBA family, the city of Memphis and his hometown of Peoria, Ill. Dana is simply irreplaceable for our team. No one in the Grizzlies organization had more responsibilities than DD. His vast network of professional friends spanned the entire NBA from the league office in New York through all 30 teams. He was also as well respected and connected in the music and entertainment businesses as he was in the NBA. And both here in Memphis and back in Peoria, DD worked tirelessly to give back to young people through his basketball and life development skills camps. He also was a very passionate member of the Board of Directors of the National Civil Rights Museum and gave selflessly for countless other causes. To say he will be missed is a vast understatement." - Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Dana Davis. This is an enormous loss for the Grizzlies organization, but an even bigger loss for me personally. He was a man of many hats with numerous responsibilities, always willing to take on more and go the extra mile. We will all miss “Double-D” greatly. This is truly a sad day for our organization.” - Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins

“It is with much sadness and a very heavy heart that we have learned Dana Davis has passed away. “Double-D” served the Grizzlies organization for 13 years, but more than a special employee, we have lost an incredible friend. We will miss him every day and never forget his passion and love for our team.” - Memphis Grizzlies President of Business Operations Greg Campbell.